I'm a newbie to projectors and could use some guidance here. I am trying to figure out what size screen is best for me based upon the following info:

I sit with my head no more than 9-10 ft away from the screen. I have 52 in. available in height for the screen, with masking (butting against ceiling).

I plan on watching 3/4 DVDs and 1/4 TV (with HDTV on the horizon). Half of my DVDs are 2.35:1 while the other are Enhanced for 16x9 (whatever the hell that number is).

Room can be pitch black if I want it to be. ECP-3500 crt projector is mounted from ceiling throwing onto a fixed screen. Plan on using an HTPC for scaling DVDs, NTSC, and receiving HDTV later.

So my question is, how do you handle the different heights/lengths for the different Ratios, and what sounds best for my situation?

In addition, I am planning on making the screen, with a shadowbox design. Shadowbox wood frame wrapped in Velour Black material(stapeled). Then a 2x4 screen/mounting frame that the screen material(?) is wrapped around the corners of and stapeled to. Then the Shadowbox frame goes over the screen/screen frame (frames overlap) and is screwed together from the backside. Total sructure would then be mounted to the studs of the wall.

I am currently looking in another thread for some good screen material, but any advice offered here would be a great welcome. Any advice on the construction; frame, design, masking width, shadow depth, would help a lot to!

Thanks for reading all of this. Like I said, this is all new to me so I appreciate any ideas/advice given. Thanks and have a good one!!

Enhanced for 16x9 has nothing to do with the aspect ratio of the movie, but rather indicates that the DVD is anamorphic. You will likely want to use a 16:9 screen since it will allow 1.85:1 DVDs to virtually fill up the entire 16:9 screen. BTW, 16:9= 1.78:1.

I decided to go with a 16x9 screen. Also, thanks for the links, I did not know that enhanced for 16x9 was an anamorphic dvd. I always thought anamorphic DVDs were the same ratio as that originaly shown in the theater. Take it easy and thanks for your help!!